10 Perennials You Should Prune In January and February For Healthier Growth

Some perennials out there especially benefit from pruning in January and February. When you remove their dead and weakened foliage, they begin to produce fresh and vibrant spring growth with great vigor.

Pruning these plants in January and February also allows you to control their shape and size which keeps them from looking wild and unkept. 

Keep in mind, however, that you must only prune perennials that are dormant and can handle winter pruning. Avoid pruning early bloomers like bleeding hearts or peonies.

10 Perennials To Prune In January and February for Healthier Growth

10 – Ornamental Grasses

Pruning ornamental grasses in January allows for the removal of weak and damaged foliage that could potentially be weighing the plants down and limiting growth. After pruning, the first change you’ll likely notice is the health and vibrant “pop” of the grasses improving in no time.

9 – Hellebores (Lenten Roses)

Pruning hellebores around mid-winter in February allows for better flower emergence and vigorous growth. Remove any leaves that appear brown or discolored and cut off weak foliage around the base of the plant. This should improve the aesthetics of your hellebore and restore their lost vigor. 

8 – Lavender (In Mild Climates)

If you’re in a region or state that experiences extremely low temperatures in February, pruning lavender at that time of the year may not be the best idea for you.

But, for people growing lavender in milder-climate zones, pruning in February can help keep lavender healthy and vigorous. 

7 – Sedum (Autumn Joy)

Though pruning sedums in February may not be the best idea every time, there are some cases in which it can work, especially if you live in a region that offers moderate winter temperatures. Get rid of any dead or weak foliage and stems to encourage new growth and prepare the sedums for denser, more vibrant blooming. 

6 – Bee Balm (Monarda)

Pruning bee balm in February can promote fresh shoot growth as well as prepare the plants for a strong comeback. Again, this should only be considered if the February temperatures in your region are mild and not freezing cold. While you’re at it, remove any weak-looking foliage to improve the shape and visual appeal of the plants as well. 

5 – Echinacea (Coneflower)

Pruning coneflowers in mid-winter around January time can encourage fresh, new growth and help them thrive once the growing season begins. Trim the stems down 4-6 inches above ground level and remove any weak foliage if there is any. 

4 – Russian Sage (Perovskia)

If you want to give your Russian sage a boost and maintain its health and visual appeal, pruning in January may be beneficial for you. By thinning the plant down and getting rid of dead stems, you allow for better air circulation and limit the chances of fungal disease potentially damaging your Russian sage badly. 

3 – Catmint (Nepeta)

For folks who reside in regions that experience milder January winters, pruning catmint can potentially prove to be beneficial and encourage new, stronger growth. Cut off weak foliage, spent blooms, and damaged stems so that your catmint plant can rejuvenate without unnecessary burden. Once spring comes around, you’ll get to experience your plant’s true vigor and beauty. 

2 – Yarrow (Achillea)

Although it isn’t entirely necessary, if you want, you can prune your yarrows in January so that they can begin new, healthy development and bloom more vibrantly. When pruning, you want to remove any leftover spent flowers, damaged stems, and discolored foliage so that the plants can have better air circulation and more freedom for spreading. 

1 – Salvia (Saliva Spp)

Salvias benefit from pruning in January, especially if they’re a herbaceous variety. Ideally, you want to prune them around late January just around the time when new growth is about to emerge. 

Cut off weak stems and foliage so that the salvias are less dense and able to receive sunlight properly. This will prepare them for the growing season up ahead and help maintain a tidy look. 

Conclusion

While pruning in January may damage some perennials, others can thrive from it, leading to significant improvement for the upcoming growing season.

If you’re growing or experimenting with any of the perennials listed above, now’s the perfect time to give them a good trim and see the noticeable difference it can make.